Which NFL teams have something to play for in Week 18? Exploring playoff scenarios for these motivated sides

The NFL is finally entering Week 18 of the regular season and the playoffs are set to begin next week. Some NFL teams have been eliminated and have nothing to play for, while some have already clinched playoff berths. A win or loss in Week 18 would be meaningless for both types of teams.

In this article, we will focus on those teams that have something to play for in Week 18. A win and a little help for other teams could fix their 2022 playoff seats or could help them improve their playoff rankings. For fantasy football managers, you need to look out for those players that might rest because they have nothing to play for.

NFL teams that are eliminated might bring forward their younger players to evaluate their performances for next season. Let's look at the teams that should win this week, play all their starters, and go all out.

Must-win teams in NFL Week 18

Kansas City Chiefs at Las Vegas Raiders - January 7th, Saturday, 4:30 pm ET at Allegiant Stadium)

Las Vegas Raiders v Kansas City Chiefs

The Kansas City Chiefs must win their Week 18 game against the Las Vegas Raiders to secure the No. 1 seed in the AFC standings. The Chiefs are leading the league with a 13-3 record. If the Chiefs lose, then the Buffalo Bills should also lose if they want to lead their conference.

The Chiefs will play all their starters and will go all out this week. On the other hand, Las Vegas Raiders have been eliminated and have nothing to play for.

Tennessee Titans at Jacksonville Jaguars - January 7th, Saturday, 8:20 pm ET at TIAA Bank Field

Jacksonville Jaguars v Tennessee Titans

An interesting matchup will take place between the two AFC South competitors. The Titans and Jaguars will fight for the No. 1 position in the AFC South this Saturday.

The winner will enter the playoffs while the losers' 2022 season journey ends. If the Jaguars lose, they can still make it to the playoffs, but the Patriots, Dolphins, and Steelers all will have to lose their Week 18 games.

Detroit Lions at Green Bay Packers - January 8th, Sunday, 8:20 pm ET at Lambeau Field

Green Bay Packers v Detroit Lions

If the Packers win Sunday's game against the Lions, then they will make it to the playoffs. However, for the Lions, they should win the game and expect the Los Angeles Rams to win against the Seattle Seahawks.

If the Seahawks win, the Lions will be eliminated before they play a game against the Green Bay Packers.

Los Angeles Rams at Seattle Seahawks - January 8th, Sunday, 4:25 pm ET at Lumen Field

Seattle Seahawks v Los Angeles Rams

The Seattle Seahawks will play all their starters and go all out this weekend as they fight for a win to clinch a playoff spot. The Rams have already been eliminated and have nothing to play for in Week 18.

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New York Jets at Miami Dolphins - January 8th, Sunday, 1 pm ET at Hard Rock Stadium

Miami Dolphins v New York Jets

The New York Jets are out of the playoff race, but the Dolphins still have a shot. To make it to the playoffs, the Dolphins need to win their game against the Jets on Sunday and the Bills will have to defeat the Patriots. The Dolphins must play all their starters against the New York Jets in Week 18.

Cleveland Browns at Pittsburgh Steelers (January 8th, Sunday, 1 pm at Acrisure Stadium

Pittsburgh Steelers v Cleveland Browns

The Pittsburgh Steelers can make it to the playoffs if they go all out and defeat the Browns. The Patriots and the Dolphins will have to lose their Week 18 game. The Cleveland Browns are eliminated and have nothing to play for.

New England Patriots at Buffalo Bills (January 8th, Sunday, 1 pm at Bills Stadium)

Buffalo Bills v New England Patriots

If the Patriots win against the Buffalo Bills, then they will make it to the playoffs. The Bills are already in the playoffs, but if the Kansas City Chiefs win against the Las Vegas Raiders and the Bills also win, then they will most likely get the No. 2 seed instead of No.1.

They could also get the No. 2 spot if the Bengals lose to the Ravens. The Patriots and the Bills will play all their starters and go all out against each other this Sunday.